>> reporter: good morning, well washington has temporarily put aside its usual battles over health care and the budget to pay tribute to nelson mandela. but as you mentioned, there was one annual presidential tradition yesterday, which did not go unobserved. >> three, two, one -- [ cheers and applause ] >> reporter: president obama joined by his family pushed the button to bathe the national christmas tree in a warm holiday glow. and later remembered the man he says has been a major inspiration. >> and this year we give a special measure of gratitude for nelson mandela a man who championed that generosity of spirit. in his life he blessed us with tremendous grace and unbelievable courage. and we are all privileged to live in a world touched by his goodness. >> reporter: despite a cold rain, crowds continued gathering before mandala's statue. in south africa's washington embassy to mourn him. former secretary of state, hillary clinton, met mandala a few years after he was released from prison. >> mandala told many people that he had to learn to forgive, and he had to leave his anger behi